Nikon Lens for would be wildlife photographers

[brewmaster15]

Hi all,
When I first started using Nikon in addition to Pentax I wanted to really get a feel for the two systems so tested lens in both Mounts or similar ranges on both and decided which to keep. I ultimately decided to use Nikon mostly for birding and Pentax for all else.Mostly because of the insane numbers of Pentax lens and bodies I have. So I am finally letting go the Nikon gear that I have dups of or that I have Pentax mounted versions of. I know we have a bunch of members here that have older nikon Dslr bodies and have expressed interest in wildlife photography so heres your chance.. Nikon I should say is a bit of a pain with their systems, where Pentax is designed so that all lens work on all bodies, Nikon splits their bodies into two groups, some have built in motor drives, some need lens with AF motors.Because of this, its important to match the right lenses to the right DSLR bodies.

First up is a Gem of a Lens. Its made by Tamron and has a range of 200-500 mm .
Tamron SP 200-500mm F/5-6.3 LD AF IF Di Telephoto Zoom Lens A08 for Nikon w/Cap $360.00 shipping USA included.(3 available)

I absolutely love this lens. Its not as fast as newer lens but its range is excellent and its optically sharp. If it gives an indicationof how much I like this inexpensive telephoto lens.. I have 4 copies. I am keeping one as its light weight and perfect for long hikes.

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Examples...

Timestop by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

_DSC5485 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


_DSC0081a by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


_DSC0052 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

You will not find a Better Lens in this range for less money.


**************One of these has been sold.******************

[brewmaster15]

Next is
Sigma AF 400mm f5.6mm $200 shipping USA included

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This is a Really decent bargain lens. Optically its good, the 400mm is nice for alot of wildlife and its AF. Its an older lens so don't expect blazing speed. If you like back yard shooting and bird feeder photography its stellar. I will post or email pics if anyone wants to see examples. I bought as I have a pentax mount version.

[brewmaster15]

Tamron A009 AF 70-200mm f2.8 SP Di VC USD Lens Nikon $260 Shipping USA Included

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This is an excellent lens.Its Fast, and tack sharp. I have a copy in Pentax Mount. Close focus to 3 feet. Its an excellent lens for Flowers, pets, butterflies. Its macro capabilities are impressive too,
Review here...https://www.pentaxforums.com/userrev...-ld-macro.html

samples from Pentax version..


IMGP8969 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

IMGP8949_02 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP7147 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

Bee on Cone Flower by Al Sabetta, on Flickr
with 20mm ext tube.

[brewmaster15]

Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon $370 shipping to USA included


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This is another stellar Lens. I have a copy in Pentax mount . This Lens is a great range for alot of wild life and is not too heavy . I have used it extensively in Pentax Mount and its one of my go to hiking Lenses.. Really a nice Lens and built in shake reduction.

Examples..(pentax Mount)

IMGP2728 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP2832 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

[brewmaster15]

Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 EX APO Telephoto Zoom Camera Lens For Nikon F $450 Shipping to USA included

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A very good lens but uncommon today. Its lightweight and has excellent reach. Optically its very good . I bought it to compare against the 120-400 above and my Pentax 150-450. I have too many in this range so it really not used.

Not my pics but https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=Sigma+170-500+ examples.

If anyone wants Pics taken with this lens, let me know.

[brewmaster15]

Pm me with Questions and tell me what model Nikon you have.

al

[brewmaster15]

I will also throw this out there.. all of these lens would work great with Nikon d200 and d300 bodies. Extremely capable dslrs for their age. I have a bunch of these bodies.. If you do not have nikon Dslr and want to get into digital photography cheap.. I can sell you a really great d200 or d300 for $100-150. These were flagship dslrs at their releases..


The D200 was my gateway drug into Nikons.

Grey Squirrel by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

Carolina Wren by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

Male Cardinal 2 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

Flycatcher (Phoebe) by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

Tufted Titmouse eating by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

Red Bellied woodpecker male by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

Female Cardinal 1 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

One for Tony by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

Mine! by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

_DSC0300 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

_DSC0124 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


_DSC0164 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

_DSC0015 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

Hard at Work! by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

_DSC0117 (copy) by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

[

[brewmaster15]

Cross posted these to Craigslist and will probably have to put them on Ebay.

[Second Hand Pat]

Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 EX APO Telephoto Zoom Camera Lens For Nikon F $450 Shipping to USA included

20240420_092230.jpg


A very good lens but uncommon today. Its lightweight and has excellent reach. Optically its very good . I bought it to compare against the 120-400 above and my Pentax 150-450. I have too many in this range so it really not used.

Not my pics but https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=Sigma+170-500+ examples.

If anyone wants Pics taken with this lens, let me know.

This one still available Al?
Pat

[brewmaster15]

This one still available Al?
Pat

It Is Pat.

[brewmaster15]

Next is
Sigma AF 400mm f5.6mm $200 shipping USA included

20240420_093100.jpg

This is a Really decent bargain lens. Optically its good, the 400mm is nice for alot of wildlife and its AF. Its an older lens so don't expect blazing speed. If you like back yard shooting and bird feeder photography its stellar. I will post or email pics if anyone wants to see examples. I bought as I have a pentax mount version.

Thought I would add a few pics here. These are samples from the yard. I put the lens on a Nikon D200. The lens is $200 the D200 body is $100. So for $300 you get really nice and capable camera set up.

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You really don't need to spend alot on camera gear to get started and learn. $300.

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